Don’t marvel at this, for the hour comes in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice, and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. John 5:28-29 WEB
These words of Christ refer to the future resurrection and judgment. The opening section of chapter five of John’s gospel details Christ’s healing a man on the Sabbath. In addition, John recounts the persecution Jesus encountered by religious leaders for violating Jewish tradition. These verses are part of Jesus’ defense of his authority as the Son of God.
For each of us, the hour comes that we receive eternal life or suffer eternal condemnation. In this future event, Christ is the judge of mankind. Those who accept the word of God and do his will pass from death to life. But those who reject the word of God are condemned. As Jesus says in John 5:21-22, “For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son. WEB”
Jesus Fulfills the Word of God
When Jesus says, “Don’t marvel at this,” he addresses common Jesish belief in the resurrection. And so, for those who already believe in a resurrection, it is consistent that they believe his teaching. Also, he refers to his fulfilling prophecy recorded in Holy Scripture. Daniel 7:13-14 records prophetic words of the Messiah and his authority as the Son of Man. As the hour comes for the return of Christ, we each decide whether to accept or reject Jesus’ message of hope and redemption.
The message behind Jesus’ defense is that he is the promised Savior. Christ says in John 5:39-40, “You study[ the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. WEB” Jesus’ purpose is to demonstrate the consistency of his message with established scripture as the hour comes for the resurrection, the judgment, and the fulfillment of the word of God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Thank you for the reliability of your holy word. Give me wisdom to apply your word to my life. Teach me with your Holy Spirit to accurately interpret your word. Lead me with your Holy Spirit to do your will. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: This Present Time
